Ardis Jean Kreklau

Ardis Jean Kreklau, age 84, of Sebeka, MN, died on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND surrounded by her loving family. Ardis was born to Joe and Nora (Bengston) Olson in Wadena on September 7, 1929. She lived on a farm in Paddock Township with her seven brothers and sisters. They all worked hard, but loved to sing and dance. She graduated from Sebeka High School in 1947 and took a job at a local store in Sebeka. On November 12, 1949 she married Clarence Kreklau. They farmed in North Germany Township for the next 50 years. They were married for 54 years, when Clarence passed away in 2003. The couple raised their three children on the farm, worked very hard but always found time for fun. Ardis was active as a leader of the Jolly Jets 4-H Club for almost 20 years. She taught Sunday school, VBS, and was a superintendent at Zion Lutheran Church and also belonged to the local ladies aid. Upon retirement the couple built a home near the family farm and were very involved in all of their nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren's lives. She loved to garden, mow lawn, do arts and crafts and attend the sporting events and musical programs of all her grand and great grandchildren. Ardis also made the best peanut brittle in the county, which she shared with everyone. She had a circle of close friends with whom she enjoyed shopping, exercising, eating out and many other activities. She loved to read, listen to music, dance, sing and enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and family with her computer and iPad. Ardis is survived by her three children, sons Miles Kreklau and his wife Betty, Murlyn Kreklau and his wife Trudy, both of Sebeka; daughter Roxanne Parks and her husband Gregg of Walker, MN; Her nine grandchildren, Lucas and Caleb Kreklau, Julie Stevens, Joe and (Susan) Kreklau, Laura and (Dean) Haman, Zachary and (Dacia) Kreklau, Derek, Megan and Paige Parks and twelve great grand children. She is also survived by six siblings, Dennis Olson, Clair Olson, Russell Olson, Euny Gilbertson, Margie Tumberg and Noni Grewing. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her parents Joe and Nora Olson and her sister Joan Ruikka. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church in North Germany Township with Pastor Ray Hendrickson officiating. Faye Mavis will serve as organist and Sue Kangas will be the soloist. Active Casketbearers are grandsons, Joe Kreklau, Zackary Kreklau, Lucas Kreklau, Caleb Kreklau, Derek Parks, nephews, Gale Kreklau and Jay Tumberg. Honorary Pallbearers are all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in North Germany Township.